Montezuma is known for its pristine
beaches and colorful culture, an ocean jewel in a jungle paradise setting. The
best waterfall in the area, Montezuma
Falls, is within a few minutes walk of the town. Montezuma is also the primary
launching point to get to Tortuga Island, a popular tourist destination. With
such spectacular beauty, it's no wonder that so many people start to dream about
living here or owning a vacation home. Cabuya is just a short drive away, towards the tip of the southern Nicoya Peninsula. Although many foreigners live there, Cabuya isn't nearly as touristy as Montezuma, and still feels like old Costa Rica. Cabuya is known as a hideaway for artists and creative people. Cabuya is also the gateway to Cabo Blanco National Park, the oldest National Park in Costa Rica. At low tide, a spit of land appears from Cabuya, upon which one can walk all the way out to the mysterious Cabuya Island, which has the local cemetary. Just off the island is the best snorkeling spot in the northern Pacific area of Costa Rica, as well as "Secret Reef" an epic surf spot.
Real estate in Cabuya is a tricky
business, since two types of land are common. First, the land on the beach isn't
titled, and there's no "Plano Regulador" - a regulation plan required for a
beach area before building permits can be applied for. It's fairly safe to buy
a house that has already been built, but don't expect to be able to add additional
construction for several years until the government either changes the laws
or puts in a regulation plan for the area. In the hills, another type of land
is common - IDA - this is land that's still officially owned by the government,
and can't be bought or sold. Yet, many people attempt to do so, and many lose
their money. Definitely it's best to make sure any land you buy has a clear
title. The real estate conditions of Cabuya create fear and confusion, but within
that lie many opportunities as well. For someone who is patient and careful,
there are many good deals. The area is developing and will one day be a high
end resort town, so investing in Cabuya has a lot of potential. Montezuma Real Estate - many of the most spectacular lots have already been purchased, and many homes have been built. The majority of those purchases are not from speculators or property flippers, but from people who are buying with the eventual goal of building a vacation home, and many hope to move to Costa Rica permanently when they can afford it. With prices rising rapidly, many are buying now before the prices get to be like in Hawaii - with view acres going for one or two million dollars.